Air Travel Restrictions

From LoveToKnow Travel

Since the events of 9/11/2001, air travel restrictions have become much more stringently employed. What you can take, what you can have on your person, and what you can pack in your carry-on luggage have all been more carefully regulated. Sometimes it's confusing to figure it all out. Below is a basic primer on current air travel restrictions. (Please note that this information is current as of 11/1/2006, but subject to change.)

Making Sense of Air Travel Restrictions

What Not to Take

Some items you can only take in your checked luggage. Others you can't take on a plane at all. Here are some of the prohibited items:

  • Lighters
  • Toiletries or liquids in containers larger than 3oz.
  • Beverages brought from home or purchased before the security checkpoint
  • Martial arts and self-defense items (including pepper spray)
  • Tools (hammers, crowbars, screwdrivers longer than 7")
  • Gel candles or gel shoe inserts
  • Sporting Goods (may be carried in checked luggage)
  • Canned or jarred goods, such as food (may be checked)
  • Knives (except for rounded butter knives; others may be checked.)
  • Firearms and ammunition (many types can be checked.)
  • Explosives
  • Chemicals, such as spray paint, bleach, and chlorine for pools

For a complete list of prohibited items, see the Transportation Security Administration checklist.

Exempted Items

A few items are exempt from the above restrictions. They include baby formula, prescription medicine, diabetic supplies, and liquids for those with a medical condition.

At the Airport

Due to the increased security measures, passengers are asked to arrival early to the airport. An hour and a half prior to domestic flights and two hours prior to international flights is recommended. At the airport, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel screen all passengers and carry-on luggage. You will be asked to remove your shoes and to empty your pockets. TSA also chooses passengers at random for a more thorough search. Don't be alarmed if you are chosen.

In addition, for your safety and the other passengers', do not accept packages from anyone you don't know, no matter how sensible their story. Also, do not leave your luggage unattended in the airport. Most airports will seize unattended luggage.

Making Sense of Air Travel Restrictions

Air travel restrictions are in place for the safety and well-being of all passengers and airport personnel. Understand that the TSA personnel are just doing their job and be flexible and patience as you pass through the security check points.

Learning about what you can and cannot carry in your luggage and arriving early at the airport will go a long way to making airport security a more pleasant experience.


 


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